The University of Rochester celebrates our incredible employees who make UR a better place to work, grow, and serve. In this series, get to know some of the many individuals who turn our mission into action each day—one story at a time.
Shaping the care experience—Meet members of our ambulatory technician team
Beth Vella, Ambulatory Technician
Pediatric Specialties
Can you describe what a typical day is like for you as an ambulatory technician (tech)?
Ambulatory technicians bring a broad skill set to patient care. I handle patient check-ins and prepare individuals for their appointments. I perform blood draws and conduct various tests as ordered by our providers. I also support patients who may be anxious or upset, helping to ease their concerns. Additionally, I collaborate with providers to address challenges and improve clinic efficiency. Above all, my priority is always the patient’s well-being.
How did you get started as an ambulatory tech, and what skills are needed?
I learned about this opportunity through a friend who was employed at Strong Hospital. My customer service experience has been invaluable in this role. Although I had completed several college courses, I had not yet finished my degree. My ability to connect with children at their level and demonstrate empathy towards the families we serve has been a significant advantage for me in this role.
How do you believe you contribute to the overall patient experience?
From the moment a patient walks through our doors, I treat them like they’re part of my own family. I never want any child to feel scared about coming to see us. Creating a fun, safe, and calming experience and environment for the kids and their families truly makes me happy.
What inspires you the most about your job?
The kids and their families! Taking care of them shows me just how incredibly strong they are, as life can throw some really tough curveballs. But watching these kids and their families keep going, day after day, is nothing short of amazing.
What would you tell someone considering a career in healthcare?
Do it! It’s incredibly rewarding. Making a positive difference in a patient’s day is an amazing feeling.
Jeff Civiletti, Ambulatory Procedure Technologist
Pulmonary and Critical Care
How did you get started as an ambulatory procedure technologist, and what skills are needed?
When I first started at URMC in 2014, I was an ambulatory technician in the Medical Specialties unit on AC-3. I worked on the unit for about two years, when I desired to do more, see more, and learn more. The Pulmonary Department was getting busier and expanding at that time, so I was asked if I was willing to transfer there full-time and become an ambulatory procedure technologist III.
All the skills and specialized training I needed for this role were done in-house. We have samples of all the specialized tools so employees can get hands-on training to be proficient and comfortable using them in patient procedures. I am a super user and lead trainer for high-level disinfection (HLD) on my unit.
What inspires you the most about your job?
The one thing that inspires me to come to work and deliver great patient care every day is knowing that I am making a difference in a patient’s cancer journey, no matter if they are diagnosed for the first time or if it is a recurrence. I take pride in making a difference and providing a calm, compassionate, positive presence in our patients’ experience. Whether I’m preparing the room, assisting during a procedure, or simply offering a reassuring word, I aim to create a safe and respectful environment.
My wife was such a great nurse and the one who pushed me to go back to school and work in the healthcare field. With her recent passing, I carry her love and encouragement with me every day, and I’m even more proud to work in healthcare, knowing I’m doing something meaningful that she wholeheartedly believed in.
What’s the best advice you’ve received in your career?
I think the best advice I have received in my career is, “You don’t have to know everything, you just have to care enough to keep learning.”
What would you tell someone considering a career in healthcare?
If you’re considering a career in healthcare, know that it’s more than just a job; it’s a calling. It will challenge you in ways you don’t expect, push you to grow, and sometimes break your heart. But it’s also one of the most meaningful things you can do. You’ll make a difference in people’s lives, often in their most vulnerable moments. It takes compassion, patience, and resilience, but if you have the heart for it, there’s nothing more rewarding.
How would you describe the support provided by leadership and your coworkers at URMC?
The support provided by leadership, my coworkers, and the ambulatory staff as a whole at URMC has been unbelievable. They have been wonderful in the best and worst of times. They have been here for me no matter what, and I can’t thank everyone enough for all the love and support over the last 11 years.
Join our team! Explore boundless career and growth opportunities at the University of Rochester. Apply to be an ambulatory technician.